Nestled at 907 principal St in the guts of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is much more than just a restaurant. It’s a culinary encounter that blends the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with modern day creative imagination, all set in opposition to the backdrop of Central sq.’s only rooftop. in case you’re a foods lover looking for a novel eating place, this spot promises to captivate your senses with its inventive dishes, breathtaking sights, and a vibe that’s equal components chic and welcoming. Let’s dive into what will make Saigon Babylon a must-check out destination for locals and visitors alike.
A Rooftop Haven in Central Square
picture stepping out on the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending for the fifth flooring from the Sonder 907 key making. That’s wherever Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was as soon as the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your typical eating setup. The open up-air terrace offers sweeping sights of the city, a exceptional treat With this Component of town. no matter if you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails under the stars, the rooftop environment elevates every minute used here.
The Room by itself looks like a considerate mixture of nature and design and style. Lush greenery softens the modern traces on the furniture, although heat lighting casts a cozy glow. encouraged by Vietnam’s loaded aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a balance involving magnificence and comfort. It’s the sort of place where you can dress up to get a day or retain it casual with pals, and either way, you’ll sense appropriate in your house.
What sets this spot apart is its exclusivity as Central Square’s sole rooftop location. in the neighborhood known for its eclectic Electrical power, Saigon Babylon carves out a distinct segment that’s the two refined and laid-again. It’s no wonder consumers are buzzing concerning this hidden gem.
The Minds driving the Magic
in the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo with a verified track record from the culinary environment. If their names sound common, it’s since they’ve presently won over foodies with ventures like Cicada Coffee Bar as well as the Eaves in nearby Somerville. Their know-how shines by means of in every depth here, with the menu for the ambiance.
Vinh and Duong convey a deep appreciation for Vietnamese Delicacies, paired which has a knack for innovation. They’re not simply serving foodstuff; they’re telling a story as a result of flavors and presentation. It’s distinct they’ve poured their hearts into creating Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their enthusiasm resonates with just about every guest who walks in the doorway.
A Menu That Dances in your Palate
The heart of Saigon Babylon lies in its foods, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and Daring, present day twists. This isn’t your regular pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen performs with textures, aromas, and preferences, providing dishes that come to feel familiar however thrillingly new. Enable’s investigate some of the stars from the menu.
Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A taste Explosion
photograph this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed because of the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled that has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s completed having a crunch of crispy rice paper, adding just the ideal contrast. This dish is often a testomony to your kitchen’s capability to choose a simple idea and turn it into a thing amazing. Just about every bite bursts with freshness, making it a perfect starter to awaken your appetite.
Xôi Chim - convenience satisfies creative imagination
when you’re craving one thing hearty, the Xôi Chim gained’t disappoint. This dish can take sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with ground squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese street meals, although the presentation appears like fantastic eating. The warmth of the rice, the richness on the meat, along with the umami within the mushrooms arrive with each other in a method that’s deeply enjoyable. It’s comfort and ease foods that has a twist, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s a group favourite.
Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish finished Right
Duck lovers, get Be aware. The Bac Ninh provides tender duck to the table, bathed inside a sauce that’s bold and sophisticated. The flavors lean savory with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen area’s ability in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers as part of your memory lengthy after the meal is above, proving that Saigon Babylon understands how to take care of meat with finesse.
Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and bitter Bliss
For seafood admirers, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a necessity-try out. The shrimp are properly charred, their organic sweetness enhanced by a tamarind glaze that’s equal elements tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one that captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it using a aspect of sticky rice, and you’ve bought a plate that’s difficult to place down.
Cocktails That Steal the clearly show
No rooftop practical experience is full with no stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon provides on that entrance much too. The bar menu can be a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which might be as inventive as the meals. regardless of whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or merely planning to sip some thing refreshing, there’s a great deal to like listed here.
go ahead and take Pho Cocktail, For example. Sure, you examine that ideal. This drink usually takes the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup - Imagine star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with refreshing herbs in addition to a spirit within your alternative. It’s quirky, sudden, and amazingly mouth watering. If you prefer a thing far more tropical, the Stormy Saigon provides a fruity twist, by having an option to spike it with rum for the boozy kick.
The bar workforce Plainly enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each consume looks like a mini journey, complementing the foods without having overshadowing it. in the event you’re not during the temper for alcohol, they’ve got non-alcoholic variations far too, ensuring everyone can join in the pleasurable.
When to Visit
Saigon Babylon welcomes company from Wednesday to Sunday, with several hours working from 5 PM to midnight. that offers you plenty of time to take pleasure in a leisurely meal or swing by for late-night drinks. The spot shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan appropriately. in the event you’re thinking of dropping in, it’s a smart idea to simply call ahead at (617) 945-4509. several hours can change, therefore you don’t wish to pass up out.
The vibe here shifts according to the working day. Weeknights lean quieter, ideal for intimate dinners or catching up with an acquaintance. arrive Friday or Saturday, although, the Vitality ramps up. DJ sets generally fill the air, turning the rooftop right into a lively hotspot. It’s the sort of flexibility that makes Saigon Babylon appeal to a myriad of diners.
What men and women are indicating
due to the fact opening its doors in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has become creating waves in Cambridge’s foods scene. visitors rave with regard to the rooftop views, calling them a scarce handle With this bustling neighborhood. The food stuff earns high marks way too, with several praising the creativity and freshness of each and every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up often in evaluations, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen area’s talent.
That said, it’s not all ideal. Some diners point out that the costs lean on the upper facet, Specifically specified the portion sizes. A few have get more info noted that company can truly feel uneven sometimes, likely a hiccup from the restaurant’s newness. even now, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly good. on the net ratings hover all-around four.3 to four.four away from 5 on platforms like Yelp and Google, a solid commence for a place that’s continue to obtaining its footing.
producing a Reservation
all set to practical experience Saigon Babylon yourself? Booking a desk is really a breeze. You can hop onto their official Web page at saigonbabylon.enjoyable or use Resy.com to secure your location. supplied the rooftop’s popularity, especially on weekends, it’s intelligent to strategy ahead. Walk-ins are welcome when House will allow, but a reservation assures you gained’t be still left waiting around.
it is a location that works for a variety of occasions. arranging a romantic night? The ambiance and food established the right tone. Conference buddies for an evening out? The cocktails and DJ vibes keep issues energetic. It’s even an excellent select for a Exclusive celebration, due to the standout setting and menu.
Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out
Cambridge isn't any stranger to superior food items, but Saigon Babylon delivers something contemporary towards the table. It’s not nearly consuming; it’s about immersing you in a sensory journey. The rooftop place alone makes it a rarity, featuring a viewpoint of town you won’t uncover any place else in Central sq.. insert from the Vietnamese fusion cuisine, crafted with care by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, therefore you’ve acquired a recipe for just a unforgettable evening.
The attention to depth shines through in each individual part. within the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef for the intelligent twist of a Pho Cocktail, this area doesn’t Minimize corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a modern viewers. no matter if you’re a local seeking a new haunt or even a visitor Discovering the realm, Saigon Babylon seems like a discovery really worth sharing.
techniques for Your go to
If you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a couple of ideas can enhance your experience. Aim for an early evening slot if you wish to capture the sunset - the rooftop views are unbeatable given that the sky shifts colors. gown in levels, far too. The outdoor setting is usually a draw, but Massachusetts weather conditions could be unpredictable, even in spring or fall.
Don’t skip the cocktails, Even when you’re not a major drinker. The non-alcoholic choices are merely as Resourceful and pair superbly Along with the food stuff. And if you’re torn on what to buy, talk to the staff members for suggestions. They’re enthusiastic about the menu and delighted to guidebook you toward a little something you’ll appreciate.
A style of Vietnam in Cambridge
Saigon Babylon isn’t simply a restaurant; it’s a place. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine - Daring, well balanced, and jam packed with lifestyle - and wraps it inside of a location that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the inventive dishes, the welcoming atmosphere - it all comes alongside one another to build a thing Specific.
subsequent time you’re in Central Square, skip the usual suspects and head up to 907 most important St. no matter if you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting that has a Stormy Saigon, you’ll find yourself caught up during the allure of Saigon Babylon. It’s an area that lingers in the head, beckoning you back for an additional style of its magic.